With the announcement of the first COVID-19 positive test result in Phillips County, the Northeast Colorado Health Department sought to reassure the public. An additional case in Logan County brought the total number of cases in the region to 15.

Monday, NCHD said the case was collected at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke and sent for testing.

“This individual is currently not hospitalized, but is in appropriate isolation,” said Trish McClain, Director of NCHD. “It is important that everyone follows the new public health order to stay home. It is up to each of us to protect our community members who are at high risk and not give this virus a chance to spread.”

Public health officials are investigating the case and will contact anyone who had direct contact with the individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. The NCHD will not release identifying information and medical records to the public, to protect the individual’s privacy.

“We have a dedicated team doing everything possible to protect the health of our communities in Phillips County,” the NCHD release states. “Phillips County has a pandemic response plan already in motion with tools and protocols in place to monitor patients, visitors, travelers and other individuals who may have been exposed. We have the infection control expertise needed and have identified resources ready to respond as the situation develops.”

NCHD expects that as cases increase, investigations could reveal common community exposures. The health department stressed the importance of following the stay-at-home public health order issued last week, as well as following doctors’ directions if you’ve been instructed to self-isolate or self-quarantine.

On Tuesday, the NCHD shared information about what to do if a business or individual is not complying with the stay-at-home order.

The order closed all but critical businesses, which include those engaged in healthcare, infrastructure, critical retail which includes grocery and hardware, manufacturing, critical services, news media, financial institutions, basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations, construction, and defense. Cannabis and liquor stores remain open. Critical businesses must follow social distancing requirements and provide a clean and safe environment.

Coloradans are required to stay in place unless they are performing necessary activities or working for critical businesses or maintaining critical governmental functions. NCHD explained that critical activities include:

Obtaining food and other household necessities including medicine

Going to and from work if you are a critical employee

Seeking medical care

Caring for dependents or pets

Caring for a vulnerable person in another location

Or participating in outdoor recreation at a legally-mandated safe distance of six feet or more from other parties.

NCHD encouraged those in the community who feel comfortable to reach out to businesses that are not complying on social media or through local media outlets to “educate them on the Public Health Orders and ask them to follow voluntary compliance.”

The NCHD website also offers a link to a complaint form for non-compliant businesses.

“You will be notified that we have received your request and are working on the issue,” the release states. “Depending on the information taken, we may or may not contact you for further information.”

For reliable, up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit https://covid19.colorado.gov, call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email COHELP@RMPDC.